This article was first published in Touchstone in July 2017.
Christchurch North Methodist Parish recently won an architectural award for its new church complex, but it is the activities that go on in those buildings that are most impressive . The Parish was one of many Christchurch churches that had to rebuild after the Canterbury earthquakes. In May the new building won the 2017 Canterbury Public Architecture Award through the New Zealand Institute of Architects. The new building has an open worship space, meeting rooms and a multi-purpose hall, and a variety of community groups use the facilities.
Christchurch North is a member of the Methodist Alliance and the parishioners provide a range of services to the community including an op shop, Musikool Kids (a programme of music and movement for preschoolers and their caregivers), a puzzle library, support to the Bishopdale Community Trust, and Handiscope.
Papanui Handiscope started in 1973 after community research and consultation with local doctors led to the decision to establish a programme of activities for disabled people. Hilda Widdup headed up a team of nine helpers who provided a service to six members. In 1974 the Papanui group joined the Coordinating Council for the Handicapped and became known as the Papanui Handiscope Centre.
The aim of Handiscope is help people who have become disabled through accident or illness to broaden the scope of their mind and body. Handiscope provides a safe, caring environment where adults with an intellectual or physical disability can learn new skills and try new activities. In the 1970s Handiscope centres were established at the Somerfield, Papanui, Fendalton, Upper Riccarton and Shirley Methodist Churches and at the Woolston and St Albans Working Men's Clubs. Handiscope centres were also established in other suburbs of Christchurch as well as in Ashburton, Picton, Nelson, Greymouth and Hokitika.
Each Handiscope centre is autonomous, although the leadership meets bi-monthly to support and encourage one another. Members are referred to each centre by a doctor, health worker, or occupational therapist. Handiscope is a completely voluntary organization and does not own any buildings. Currently only four Handiscope centres still operate in
Christchurch. They are in Papanui, Hoon Hay, Hornby and Aranui. When Handiscope was established it met a real need because there were no other support groups like the Stroke Clubs or Arthritis NZ that operate today. With the establishment of specialist support groups, the demand for Handiscope has decreased. The four groups still in operation meet the needs of people with disabilities, who are often socially isolated.
In the 44 years Papanui Handiscope has been operating more than 1000 people have met for companionship and to learn crafts and take part in such activities as leatherwork, painting, and indoor bowls. Members pay $2.00 a week to cover costs of materials. Papanui Handiscope meets Wednesday mornings and each session starts off with a morning tea. Volunteers provide the morning tea, teach crafts and organise other activities.
Handiscope maintains a ratio of one helper to two members. Currently Papanui Handiscope has 40 members and a volunteer staff of 19 with an additional morning tea roster of 20. Members have a wide range of intellectual and physical abilities including some who are in wheelchairs. Maxi taxis bring 12 members each week and seven other members rely on volunteer drivers.
Pat Teague supervises Handiscope and says members achieve noticeable improvement in their mental and physical abilities, which is an inspiration to everyone and motivates many of the staff to continue to volunteer. At Papanui Handiscope 10 volunteers have been active for more than 10 years, and one member has attended since it opened in 1973.
Ngā mihi nui
Carol Barron, Methodist Alliance National Coordinator, Carol@MethodistAlliance.org.nz
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